SIR Alex Ferguson is putting his trust in his players to turn the screw on Benfica.

United were cantering to Champions League qualification with nine points when fright nights in Copenhagen and Glasgow condemned them to two defeats and tonight's last chance shoot-out drama against the Portuguese champions.

The United manager admits that chances squandered have become a headache.

"We have spilled a lot of opportunities in a lot of our games this season particularly away from home," he says.

"The scoreline on Saturday at Middlesbrough could have been six or seven. It was the same at Reading, Sheffield United and Watford. In all our away games this year we could have scored a lot of goals and it does worry you, of course it does.

"But I trust them because one day someone is going to suffer and I hope it is tonight.

Chances

"We are playing with such penetration and speed that we are confident of making chances. Then when we have those opportunities we have to take them.

"When we have control of football games you have to take your chances. In important matches particularly.

"If we have control tonight then the players have to finish it off."

A victory or even a draw would see United through to February's knockout stages.

But a Benfica win would see United dumped into the UEFA Cup.

Last December they again needed only to draw in Lisbon against Benfica to secure a passage to the knockout stages but they didn't even have the consolation of the UEFA Cup lifeline as the European campaign ended after just six matches.

Do you think United will take their chances against Benfica? Have your say.